Mukesh Khanna, the veteran actor best known for his portrayal of Shaktimaan, recently shared insights about his discussions with Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh regarding the much-loved superhero role. Over the years, Mukesh has been vocal about his reservations in handing over the iconic character to another actor or production house. His recent remarks shed light on why he felt Ranveer Singh was not suitable to play Shaktimaan and how he envisioned the character’s future on screen.
Mukesh Khanna’s Initial Reservations
Mukesh Khanna revealed that years ago, producer Aditya Chopra’s team from Yash Raj Films (YRF) approached him with the intent of acquiring the rights to Shaktimaan. However, Mukesh was cautious about letting go of the character’s essence and identity, which he had nurtured for decades. “Ten years ago, Aditya Chopra’s team contacted me, asking if I could give them the rights to Shaktimaan,” Mukesh shared. Around the same time, a photo of Ranveer Singh donning Shaktimaan’s costume went viral on social media. While many speculated this was a teaser for an upcoming project, Mukesh clarified that he had no involvement with it.
Rather than simply selling the rights, Mukesh proposed a collaboration. “I refused to give them the rights but suggested they work with me instead,” he said. His primary concern was maintaining the integrity of the character and avoiding a superficial portrayal. “I didn’t want them to turn it into a disco drama,” he emphasized, referring to the potential for modern interpretations to overshadow the original essence of Shaktimaan.
Ranveer Singh’s Efforts to Convince Mukesh Khanna
Mukesh also addressed reports claiming that Ranveer Singh had waited three hours to meet him. He clarified that the meeting was arranged by Sony and that Ranveer’s wait was not due to any negligence on his part. “It’s wrong to say I made him wait. He came with love to meet me. It was an arranged meeting organized by Sony, where Ranveer came to convince me that he could play Shaktimaan,” Mukesh explained. He further elaborated that this wasn’t the first time Ranveer had expressed interest in playing the superhero.
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According to Mukesh, Ranveer’s passion and energy were evident during their interaction. “Ranveer is full of energy, and he spoke to me genuinely for three hours. He even shared how he got his first film and enacted how he would portray Shaktimaan,” he said. Despite Ranveer’s enthusiastic pitch, Mukesh remained unconvinced about him taking on the titular role. “That meeting ended in no result,” he remarked.
Why Mukesh Suggested Ranveer for Tamraj Kilvish
While Mukesh Khanna did not see Ranveer Singh as the ideal fit for Shaktimaan, he believed the actor could excel in another significant role within the Shaktimaan universe. “I really wanted to tell him to play Tamraj Kilvish,” Mukesh revealed. Tamraj Kilvish, the iconic villain of the Shaktimaan series, is known for his sinister demeanor and memorable catchphrase, “Andhera kayam rahe.” Mukesh felt that Ranveer’s dynamic energy and acting range could bring a fresh and compelling dimension to the character.
Mukesh’s suggestion underscores his vision for preserving the legacy of Shaktimaan while allowing for creative reinterpretations of its universe. By recommending Ranveer for Tamraj Kilvish, he demonstrated a willingness to explore new possibilities without compromising the core values of the original show.
Upholding the Legacy of Shaktimaan
Mukesh Khanna’s cautious approach to adapting Shaktimaan for a new generation stems from his deep connection to the character. As India’s first major superhero, Shaktimaan holds a special place in the hearts of audiences who grew up watching the series. For Mukesh, ensuring that the character’s moral and cultural values are upheld is of paramount importance.
He has often voiced concerns about the commercialization of iconic characters and the potential loss of their essence in big-budget adaptations. “Shaktimaan is not just a superhero; he’s a symbol of truth and righteousness. I didn’t want anyone to dilute that message,” Mukesh stated. This philosophy guided his interactions with Ranveer Singh and YRF, as he sought to balance the need for modern appeal with the character’s traditional values.
Clearing Misunderstandings
Mukesh Khanna also took the opportunity to address misunderstandings surrounding his comments about Ranveer Singh. “It was a misunderstanding. I didn’t make him wait. He spoke to me for three hours straight,” he clarified. Mukesh further acknowledged Ranveer’s stature in the industry, saying, “I am not as big an actor as he is to make him wait for so long.” He appreciated Ranveer’s genuine efforts to connect with him and his passion for the Shaktimaan project.
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However, despite Ranveer’s enthusiasm, Mukesh remained steadfast in his belief that the role required a certain gravitas and alignment with the original character’s ethos. “Ranveer’s energy is undeniable, but Shaktimaan is more than just energy. It’s about embodying a moral compass that resonates with audiences of all ages,” he explained.
The Future of Shaktimaan
Mukesh Khanna’s steadfast commitment to preserving Shaktimaan’s legacy reflects his respect for the character and its impact on Indian audiences. While he has not ruled out the possibility of a modern adaptation, he remains adamant that any such project must stay true to the original’s spirit. His interactions with Ranveer Singh and YRF highlight his careful deliberation in choosing the right path forward.
As fans eagerly await updates on the future of Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna’s dedication offers reassurance that the beloved superhero will return with the dignity and authenticity it deserves. Whether through a collaboration or an entirely new creative approach, the legacy of Shaktimaan is set to endure, inspiring generations to come.